Euro-Zone Unemployment Hits New High

Jobs Picture Worsens for Vulnerable Countries as Cuts in Public Spending Loom and Businesses Remain Wary of Hiring

By

Paul Hannon and

Alex Brittain

Updated Jan. 8, 2013 6:42 p.m. ET

The euro-zone unemployment rate rose to a fresh high in November as a net 113,000 people lost their jobs, leaving record numbers without work.

Despite the steady erosion of jobs across the 17-country currency area over the past 18 months, retail sales rose in November for the first time since July, and consumer confidence picked up slightly in December.

Euro-zone business confidence also strengthened in the final month of...